Surviving An Active Shooter (2021)
Two experts discuss the changing theory of how to survive an active shooter incident through what’s called “run, hide, and fight."
Medical Notes: Week of March 21, 2021
Rich countries are buying all the available Covid-19 vaccine for themselves… leaving poor countries in the cold. Then, have you been double masking? If you haven’t been able to get the vaccine, it could be one of the best things you can do to stay safe from Covid. And finally, you may think that loud music is distracting while you’re driving… but a new study …
Covid’s Effect On Women in the Workplace
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected women’s employment much more dramatically than men, especially women of color.
Medical Notes: Week of January 24, 2021
A study finding that 60 percent of all cases of Covid-19 are spread by people who have no symptoms. Then, children under age two may suffer effects from antibiotics later in childhood. And finally, new recommendations suggesting kids under age two should have no added sugar in their diet.
Overcoming Black Distrust in the Covid Vaccine
Success of Covid-19 vaccines depends on about 75 percent of people getting them, but distrust of medicine and of vaccines among African-Americans means they may not come close to that milepost. Two experts discuss historical reasons for distrust, how the system will have to come through in ways it has not in the past, and how community leaders will make a …
Should We Report “Bad Parents?”
Just about anyone can report a parent to a child abuse hotline. It’s meant to protect children, but often, parents are reported when no abuse or neglect exists in order to retaliate for a divorce or some other grievance. Some parents are reported for merely letting children play outside or walk to school without an adult in attendance, what was once thought …
Where Can We Gather? The Zoom Thanksgiving
Getting together with family and friends over the holidays will be different this year due to Covid-19 precautions for families and governmental restrictions on restaurants and bars. Experts discuss how to keep gatherings safe and the consequences if we don’t.
Medical Notes: Week of October 11, 2020
A group of Black physicians has created a task force to vet government decisions about Covid-19 including treatments and a possible vaccine. Then, a study showing that many youths don’t understand just how strict social distancing has to be in or that restrictions are more than a short-term requirement. And finally, migraine headaches are the third most …
The Looming “Hothouse Earth”
Climate scientists fear we may soon reach the point of no return, resulting in a hothouse with large portions of the planet uninhabitable.
Public Health Officials Resigning Under Pressure
Some officials have even been threatened. Feeling their bosses don’t have their backs, a higher proportion of officials are quitting than normal, and these essential jobs will be hard to fill with qualified health experts.
Medical Notes: Week of June 28, 2020
Researchers have been looking for an already existing drug to quickly take on Covid-19, and apparently, now they’ve found one. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration has closed the door on using the malaria treatment Hydroxychloroquine (hy-drox-ee-klor-oh-quin) to treat Covid-19. Then, social isolation has been a lifesaver the last few months, but if it …
Genetic Testing and Life Insurance
It’s illegal for health insurers to use genetic testing to discriminate against policyholders. However, life insurers can and do discriminate on that basis if the test is in your medical file.
